Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1887-07-28


Imirably adapted for 900 utilitarian
purposes, but now devoted to the use Of the
military department of the Atlantic and Of
! the New York arsenal in storing useless and
| dismounted cannon, shot, powder, etc, to
keeping up a dilapidated and useless fort and
| an alleged castle on the northwest, which as
seen from passing boats seems formidable
| indeed, but which on investigation shows to
| be ricketv and tumble down affair which
any modern ironclad could raze in short
| order. Castle William is standing monu-
| ment to the man who invented the word
! bluff"
Fort Columbus is a more formidable work
at the center of the island, occupied by about
| 100 men, two batteries of artillery, who
"play solder' TO their hearts content That to
be stationed on Governors Island is the dream
of half the military men of the country is
evidence that the surroundings are pleasant
and the duties light, but that the military
station which commands the port of the me-
tropolis is not a more formidable defense and
less beautiful play ground will be the first
| cause Of wonderment to the tourist visiting
the spot.
But everything is beautiful; even the short
ride in the bobbing little steamer is delight
full, affording a glorious view of shipping,
water front, the great bridge and the spires
and towers Of the surrounding cities. Near
the landing are imposing piles of ball and
shot, black and suggestive rows of dismal
looking guns, sentries pacing back and forth
about the buildings in bright uniforms. Gen.
Schofield's residence is the most conspicuous
of several buildings on the left, almost shut
from view by the mass of vines, shrubbery
and trees about it.
Paved and shaded roadways lead through
the grounds. The hustle of commerce has
nothing to represent it, nor is there anything
TO suggest a place frequented by pleasure
seekers. Only three persons went over in the
little steamer with me, and five or six were
with me on the return trip, several of them
clerks who live in the city. The occasional
soldiers or bandmen one meets look curiously
on the visitor and seem to like to gossip if not
in view Of comrades, but are reticent in the
extreme if on duty or in squads. At the
grim old castle a sentry PAGES back and forth
before the door.
"Can one go in?' I asked
"Only to the door,"
'Are military offenders confined within"
Eyes"
Chow manyg'
81 don't know"
What are their offensesg"
II don't know"
We were allowed peep at the crumbling
old amphitheatre within, queer old rookery,
with galleries around it from which the
prisoners enter their cells. So far as can
learn the present prisoners are only minor
Misunderstanding out terms for drunken
ness, desertion, ETC. Eleven or twelve thou
Faba 70 Eay, hara OF
one time when the rebellion was in progress.
1t must have been an odious pen for, although
the sun streams down into the amphitheatre
and the air is good within the walls, yet it is
hard to surmise where so many men could be
decently hived.
In the moat Of Fort Columbus several
prisoners were moving down the luxuriant
grass under armed guards who were badger
ing each other and laughing heartily as we
approached, but who separated at once as
walked up to the party and were at once in
tently engaged in the laudable work of
watching every movement Of their charges.
Not to be put off / pursued one of them.
"Are these men prisoners?" / asked.
eyes"
"For any serious offense!" -FN..
NO"
"What did they dor'
II don't know"
"Would they try to escape if you were to
leave them" ..r,,..~.,..,,.-s... a..
"No.n .'''' . '''1- .
avou are sure they wouldn't" -.g.. n.
eyes"
"Then why do you guard them" 7's'-
The fellows eyes didn't twinkle bit as he
said II don't know" and moved off.
y ell L,, IL, IN
front, approached by stairs. The door
was partially ajar, showing part Of
wide, hospitable hall, with oiled floor and
tirer skin ruc There is no bell and l